Martin Short, Derek Hough join cast of 'Hairspray Live!'

Martin Short arrives on the red carpet at the 2016 Canadian Screen Awards in Toronto on Sunday, March 13, 2016. (THE CANADIAN PRESS/Chris Young)

NEW YORK -- Comedian Martin Short and dancer Derek Hough have leapt aboard the cast of NBC's "Hairspray Live!" on Dec. 7.

The duo will join Jennifer Hudson and Harvey Fierstein in the TV musical based on the cult John Waters movie.

Short will play the husband of Edna Turnblad, played by a cross-dressing Fierstein, who is also writing the teleplay.

Set in 1960s Baltimore, the show concerns the full-figured Tracy Turnblad whose fondest wish is to appear on a local television dance program. Hough will play the TV host Corny Collins.

The new live musical will be directed for TV by Alex Rudzinski, who helmed "Grease Live!" Kenny Leon will direct the stage show.

Hough won two Emmys for choreographing "Dancing With the Stars." Short has won a Tony and two Emmys.